The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has donated $6,500 to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to rear 50,000 steelhead trout for release in the Green River.

WDFW steelhead production at Palmer Ponds on the Green River was reduced last year when budget cuts were made in Department operations. Small donations from a variety of sources, including the Muckleshoots, made it possible to keep production near normal levels last year. Full funding for hatchery production was not restored this year, so the Muckleshoot donation provides for the rearing of 50,000 additional steelhead.

"Fishers in the 2001-2002 season will have about a 20 percent greater chance of catching a steelhead in the Green River, thanks to this generous donation from the Muckleshoots," said Darrell Mills, WDFW Puyallup-Green River Fish Hatchery Complex Manager.

The money comes from the Muckleshoot Charity Fund which is supported by tribal casino profits. Since 1995 the tribe has distributed $1.3 million to nearly 200 local and regional non-profit and government agencies for services ranging from community health services to youth sports programs.